ONTARIO – With California grocery stores charging for plastic bags — at different rates — following the passage of Proposition 67, reaction was varied Monday as shoppers weighed whether they should just pay for them or do without.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Daniel Poffenberger, 21, Ontario, who was walking into a Stater Bros. on Monday. “I think for people that are middle class, I don’t think it’s right. We pay a good amount of taxes as it is. We shouldn’t be getting charged for stupid, petty things like that. It’s just not fair.”

Nearby, Kimberly McDavis, who was loading up her car with groceries, said she only purchased the new 10-cent bags for certain items. McDavis said she supports the change because of environmental benefits.

“It is a hassle when you forget your reusable bags and then you’re faced to pay the 10 cents, so I only purchased the two bags for things I knew would roll around in my car versus just the things that wouldn’t, and I didn’t purchase bags for that,” McDavis said. “It makes you more mindful that you don’t forget your reusable bags, so I think a lot of people right now are trying to adjust to that.”

Carlos Illingworth, spokesman for Albertsons, confirmed the higher prices for Vons and Albertsons. They also sell canvas bags for between $1.25 and $2 apiece.

“We are focused on helping our customers making this transition, which includes providing them with a wide variety of options to choose from,” Illingworth said.

Jennifer Muniz, manager of the Cardenas Market at 1837 E. Fourth St. in Ontario, said bags were still free there and that the company would begin charging between 10 and 15 cents per bag Nov. 18.

Target is among retailers now offering new, plastic bags, thicker than the flimsy bags commonly used in California prior to the new law. Text at the bottom of the bag reads, “This Everlasting Bag is designed for at least 125 uses.”

“It helps people from throwing their plastic bags out because they have to pay for them and the bags you do get last a whole lot longer,” said Samantha Parker, 28, of Ontario, who was shopping at Stater Bros. on Monday.

Target shopper Olivia Gross, 42, of Rancho Cucamonga, said she liked the new bags.

“I was for getting rid of the (one-time use) bags,” Gross said. “I think it’s an environmental thing. I like the bags. Ralphs is doing that, too: 10 cents for new bags.”

Monrovia-based Trader Joe’s, which had traditionally used thick paper bags, also is now charging 10 cents for its paper bags, but the store offers several reusable bags that are priced from 99 cents to $6.99, the latter featuring a zipper and temperature-stabilizing insulation.

“The 99-cent bag is a strong, beautiful bag without insulation, and it doesn’t have a zipper, but it carries bread and nonperishables very well,” Alison Mochizuki, spokeswoman for Trader Joe’s said.

The California Grocers Association said it was supportive of Prop. 67, which ratifies Senate Bill 270, which banned plastic shopping bags statewide in 2014 but was put on hold when Prop. 67 organizers were able to collect enough signatures to put the matter on the Nov. 8, 2016, ballot.

In the meantime, more than 100 municipalities throughout the state enacted their own bans.

“Most retailers have stores in multiple counties, so rather than have retailers have to figure whether to send plastic here or paper there, this makes it more consistent,” Dave Heylen, spokesman for the Californa Grocers Association, said. “Plus, it sends a consistent message to the consumers that the entire state is supportive and interested in reducing the use of plastic bags from an environmental standpoint.”

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